Northwest overnight

Teen Anti-smoking Law To Get Another Chance

Arlington Heights — Just one week after a proposal for a strict anti-smoking law for teenagers was snuffed out by the Village Board, the controversial issue got new life Monday night.

At the request of village trustee Thomas Hayes, the board agreed to ask village attorney Robin Ward to draft an ordinance based on a proposal for an anti-smoking law that was brought to the Village Board last May by students at Wheeling High School.

"Unfortunately, I was not at the last meeting," said Hayes, referring to the Village Board meeting where a 4-4 vote defeated the teens' proposal. "I'm glad we will have the opportunity to discuss this with all nine members," he added Monday night.

Hayes' vote could swing the outcome.

While a specific ordinance has yet to be drafted, the Wheeling High School teens, many of whom live in Arlington Heights, suggested that the village make it illegal for minors to purchase or possess tobacco products.